Australia: Rubens Barrichello disqualified


Rubens leaves the pits

By Phil Huff
March 16 2008

Honda Racing F1's Rubens Barrichello has been disqualified from sixth place in the Australian Grand Prix following his exit of the pitlane under a red light. The Brazilian was seen leaving the pitlane with the lights still red following him stopping for fuel while the pitlane was closed.

For the latter offence, Barrichello received a 10 second stop-go penalty. However, this was a conscious decisions as, had Rubens continued circulating while the pit lane was closed, he would have run out of fuel. As the pitlane was closed at that time, the lights at the end remained red, signalling a driver to stop and wait for a green light.

 

Barrichello drove through the red light in contravention of Article 39.2 of the 2008 FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. The stewards decided to disqualify an hour after the race had ended.

 

His disqualification means that world champion Kimi Raikkonen receives a single point, despite not finishing the race. Kazuki Nakajima and Sebastian Bourdais are promoted to sixth and seventh respectively.

Bookmark or share this story with: